| It's early morning.
The sun is up and thin trails of smoke drift through the crisp clean air from a
dozen or more campfires. The smell of bacon, onion, fresh baked bread, and a dozen
other aromas fill your senses with thoughts of breakfast. Among the sounds of early
greetings and the clatter of cast iron and spatulas, your attention is suddenly caught by
the sweet melodic sounds of quiet music lofting through the trees.
It's your first Rendezvous.
The sounds you hear are that of a Native American Style Wooden
Flute, otherwise known as an Indian Love Flute, or Courting Flute. These ancient
instruments have become very popular in modern reenactment camps because of their history
and because of the quiet, almost mystical sound they make. Their music is soothing
and peaceful, and many folk believe it adds that 'something extra' to a Living History
Encampment. The American Indian flute is a traditional musical instrument which was
played by most Native American cultures. One only has to listen to a flute and its
haunting melody to become enchanted with the music of this lovely instrument.
Wooden flutes are one of the simplest musical instruments in design. It consists of
long slender tube of wood, (usually made from the branch of a special tree), with holes in
it for adjusting the sound, and a mechanism for actually creating the sound. Many of
us will remember our days in grade school when we all played the 'tonette' or
recorder. The Wooden Flute is precisely the same type of device, but was created by
the American Indian for a most specific purpose. One did not have to be wealthy to
make a flute, only have the desire to attract and impress a certain lady and her
family. The most widely used flutes were built and played by men whose purpose was
to court a young lady. On the plains, it was played only by single men. But
today, anyone can and does play the courting flute. Its unique sound and simplicity
enables just about anyone to learn to play.
If you are seeking to purchase a Wooden Flute, look long and
carefully for that special flute that SPEAKS to you. Many flutes are created from
beautiful wood that looks great and would make anyone proud to display it on the fire
place mantel. Unfortunately, they don't have the sound that grips you and speaks to your
soul. The sound should be clear and clean, not breathy or muddled sounding.
The size should be right for your reach. If it's difficult to reach the sound holes
and hard to play, then you won't. It should be pleasing to the eyes in proportion
and appearance, and should have a good durable finish that will resist weather and
handling. Many flutes have a block or fetish that covers the true sound hole that
depicts a spirit animal or object that you will want to give consideration to when
choosing your flute.
Whether you want to use the flute for entertaining, for mediation, for courting, or just
for relaxing, a good well made Wooden Flute can bring to you a new dimension of enjoyment
and appreciation for a once proud American Tradition.
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